Teen Sensation Learner Tien Reaches Australian Open Last 16

American teenager Learner Tien, 19, reached the Australian Open last 16 with a 7-6, 6-3, 6-3 win over Corentin Moutet, becoming the youngest American to achieve this feat since Pete Sampras in 1990.

Learner Tien, a 19-year-old American qualifier, made history on Saturday by becoming the youngest man to reach the Australian Open fourth round since Rafael Nadal in 2005. Tien achieved this feat by defeating Frenchman Corentin Moutet 7-6, 6-3, 6-3 in Melbourne. Moutet suffered an injury in the third set, clutching his leg in pain, but gamely continued playing.

Tien's remarkable run in the tournament has been nothing short of impressive. After stunning last year's runner-up and fifth seed Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller in round two, Tien's confidence has soared. When asked about his achievement, Tien humbly said, “Honestly, it feels pretty crazy to be in the second week. Going through Qs (qualifying).” His success has made him the youngest American man to reach this stage in Melbourne since Pete Sampras in 1990.

Tien's reward for his hard work is a clash against Italian Lorenzo Sonego, who dispatched Hungary's Fabian Marozsan in four sets. Reflecting on his experience, Tien admitted that his performance has exceeded his expectations. “This has exceeded my expectations, what I was hoping for coming into this week,” he said. Despite his impressive run, Tien remains grounded, acknowledging that he goes into every match believing he can win. “You go into every match believing you can win, but to be in the second week is amazing,” he added.

Making history.

Learner Tien becomes the youngest man to reach the round of 16 at the #AusOpen since Rafael Nadal.

He powers his way past Corentin Moutet 7-6 6-3 6-3 on Kia Arena.#AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/WGCAgntD4b

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2025

Learner Tien is one of three teenagers who have made a significant impact at the Australian Open, securing impressive wins over top-10 players. Tien is joined by Brazil's Joao Fonseca and Jakub Mensik, although the latter two have since been eliminated from the tournament. Tien's latest victory was a hard-fought win over Frenchman Corentin Moutet.

The match between Tien and Moutet was a closely contested battle of left-handers. Tien broke early to take a 3-1 lead in the first set, capitalizing on an unforced baseline error from Moutet. However, Moutet leveled the score at 3-3, and the set ultimately went to a dramatic tiebreak. Tien emerged victorious, clinching the tiebreak 12/10 after a grueling 72-minute set. He then broke twice in the second set to take control of the match.

From Melbourne with love ❤️

19-year-old qualifier Learner Tien has this message for his family as he enters the second week of the @AustralianOpen.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/7Vxth2Z76V

— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 18, 2025

Moutet's fortunes took a turn for the worse in the third set when he collapsed to the ground, clutching his left leg, after serving at 15-0 in the opening game. Despite his obvious pain and restricted movement, Moutet gamely attempted to continue playing. However, Tien took advantage of his opponent's discomfort to secure a place in his maiden Grand Slam last 16. When asked about the incident, Tien said, “I didn't really see what was going on... I just saw him on the ground. I wasn't sure what was going on with him honestly because there were some points where it seemed like he wasn't able to move or really use his legs that much at all. Other points he was running and scrapping.”